Dental Bridges

Bridging Gaps in Your Smile Due to Tooth Loss

A fixed dental bridge is an excellent option if you are missing two or more adjacent teeth. Your West Des Moines dentist, Dr. James Hawks, will fit crowns on the abutment teeth, or the two teeth on each side of the gap, to anchor the bridge appliance. He will take an impression of the space, and submit specifications to a dental lab. While you wait for your permanent replacement, you will be fitted with a temporary bridge. Once your hand-crafted teeth arrive, the permanent bridge will be cemented into place. You will care for your new teeth as you would your natural teeth.

Choosing a Dental Bridge

Dr. Hawks will take a number of considerations into account before developing adental prosthetic treatment plan for you. In addition to your personal preferences, he will need to assess the strength of the teeth neighboring the gap to see if they can provide adequate support for the abutment crowns. In addition, he will need to assess your oral health condition. If you have significant tooth decay or damage or if you don’t have a good record for caring properly for your teeth, the state of your oral health may need to be addressed before proceeding with the procedure.

Building a Dental Bridge

Dental bridges have been used to replace missing teeth since the days of the ancient Etruscans, nearly 2000 years ago. These ancient dental restorations were constructed of gold and served as a means for people to display their wealth. Today, dental bridges are constructed of a lightweight, biocompatible metal framework and natural-looking crowns. The buzzword in modern dental prosthetics and dental restorations is realism, and we partner with a highly regarded dental lab known for producing highly realistic and durable dental bridges.

Is a Dental Bridge Your Best Option?

Recovering from tooth loss can be easy with a custom-made dental bridge. To find out if a bridge is right for you, schedule an appointment by calling our dental office in West Des Moines, IA, at (515) 225-6665. Since 1985, Dr. Hawks has proudly served the residents of West Des Moines, as well as Urbandale, Johnston, Waukee, Grimes, and all surrounding communities since 1985.